Selectboard Public Hearing 11-12-25

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2025 1112 LOT Public Hearing Approved Minutesz 276 KB

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DRAFT MINUTES

TOWN OF SWANTON

 SELECTBOARD PUBLIC HEARING

Village Complex

120 First Street, Swanton, VT 05488

In-Person & Teams

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

PROPOSED

LOCAL OPTION TAX

Present: Joel Clark-SLB Chair, Earl Fournier, Steve Bourgeois, Nick Brosseau-Selectboard Members, Brian Savage-Town Administrator, Christina Candels-Assistant Town Administrator, David Winchester-Village President, Suzie Kellher, Adam Paxman, Neal Speer-Village Trustees’, Bill Sheets-Village Manager, Darci Benoit, BJ Benoit, Chevon Cooper, Karen Drennen, Dan Chevalier, Matt Walker, Gordon Winters, Glen Gurwit

Absent: Nicole Draper-Selectboard Member

Teams: Dorris McCanna

1. Call to Order

Mr. Clark called the Selectboard Public Hearing to order at 7:00 pm.

Mr. Winchester called the Village Trustees’ meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Clark led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Agenda Review

Mr. Clark reviewed the agenda with no additions.

4. Meeting Topics

Discuss Proposed Local Option Tax

Mr. Clark opened the discussion by sharing what a Local Option Tax is, who would pay the tax, and how it would be disbursed between the Town & Village.

Mr. Clark said a Local Option Tax would need to be approved by Swanton voters.

Selectboard members and Village Trustees both stated these funds would only be used for capital improvements, for example: buildings (library, railroad depot, recreation, town office), infrastructure projects, bridges, and large culverts.

Mr. Bourgeois clarified these funds would not be used to pay salaries but could be used to for debt service for projects.

Mr. Brosseau said these funds could be used to lower taxes as some towns have done. Mr. Clark clarified the board made a motion they would use the funds for capital improvement projects that would lower taxes because they would not need to be added to taxes.

Ms. Kelleher said the Village could use these funds for grant matches for capital improvements. Mr. Paxman said the bridge will have anywhere from a 2-10% grant match; this tax revenue could be used for without going to taxpayers.

Mr. Clark opened the discussion to the members of the public in attendance.

Members of the public who spoke are as follows:

Ms. Drennan, Ms. Cooper, Mr. Winters, Ms. Benoit, Mr. Walker, Mr. Gurwit.

No members of the public stated they were against the proposed LOT and agreed that neighboring communities everyone shops in already have this in place and it does not affect their shopping decisions.

Noted question the Town will request more information on was:

• Does Air B&B bookings pay 1% LOT?

Mr. Clark said this is planned to be a ballot item in March and they would hold another Public Hearing if necessary.

5. Adjourn

Mr. Bourgeois made a motion to adjourn the Selectboard meeting at 7:44 pm, seconded by Mr. Brosseau. Motion carried.

Mr. Paxman made a motion to adjourn the Trustees’ meeting at 7:44 pm, seconded by Ms. Kelleher. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted by

Christina Candels-Assistant Town Administrator